Improvisation by Karis Walsh Read Free Book Online

Jan’s chin.
    “Wow. She is absolutely gorgeous.”
    The wistful note in Peter’s voice was enough to make Tina turn away from the sight of Jan walking toward their table.
    “Yes, she is. And she’s gay. I thought I made that clear.”
    “The brunette? I mean, I know your friend is gay, but isn’t she the blonde?”
    Tina turned again to the two women as they neared the table. Sure enough, the other woman was a brunette. Tina hadn’t noticed.
    Jan watched the exchange between Tina and her cousin as she led Chloe to the table in the back of the bar. Tina was frowning, and Jan wondered if she was about to interrupt an argument. Brooke had mentioned Tina’s estrangement from her family, so she had been surprised to hear a cousin would be joining them. It didn’t look like a happy family reunion. Great. An unwanted invitation to drinks and a family argument as a bonus. At least the cousin didn’t look as angry as Tina did. In fact, he looked mesmerized as he stared past Jan as if she didn’t exist. Straight at Chloe.
    No one seemed inclined to speak first, so Jan decided to start. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Tina,” she said, reaching out her hand. Tina hesitated before she shook it. The first touch. Jan had imagined how Tina’s hands would feel way too many times over the past two years. A firm grip with soft hands, long and slender fingers wrapped around her own. The warmth of reality felt much better than anything her imagination had created. She pulled back a little too quickly. Barely enough of a handshake to be polite, let alone to be affected by Tina’s touch. “This is my friend Chloe.”
    “Oh, your friend . I thought maybe you hired a bodyguard for the occasion,” Tina said, nodding at Chloe. “I take it you didn’t feel safe with me even with Peter here to protect your virtue.”
    Jan stood still, unable to think of a retort. Had Tina read her mind? Did she somehow know about Jan’s fantasy of meeting like this and letting herself be seduced?
    “What Tina meant to say is please, have a seat. And she’d like to introduce her cousin, Peter,” Peter said, with a frown in Tina’s direction. She stuck her tongue out at him, but he ignored her and stood up, pulling out a chair for Chloe. “What can I get you to drink?”
    “I like red wine,” Chloe said. “Do they have anything from the Spokane Valley?”
    “They serve a nice Latah Creek merlot. It’s one of my personal favorites,” Peter said.
    “Then I’m sure I’ll love it.”
    “Excellent. I’ll have the same. I try to support local producers whenever possible.”
    “Drink local, and drink often,” Chloe said. She and Peter laughed at the joke.
    “I’ll have a scotch and soda,” Jan said.
    “Okay,” Peter said briefly. He went to the bar, leaving Chloe staring after him like a love-struck teenager. Jan rolled her eyes at Tina.
    “Do you think he even heard me?” she asked.
    “He’s cute,” Chloe said at the same time. “So, is he single?” she asked Tina.
    “I doubt it,” Tina said in Jan’s direction. “And I think so, but I really don’t keep up on his love life,” she said to Chloe.
    “Really? Pickup lines like those, and he’s single ?” Jan muttered. “Hard to believe.”
    “No shit,” Tina said. She leaned toward Jan. “Hey, baby, maybe we should order an appetizer,” she spoke in an uncanny imitation of her cousin’s voice. “They have nachos—my personal favorite.”
    “I’m sure I’ll love anything you love,” Jan answered, matching the seductive tone of Tina’s voice. “And I’ve heard the cheese is locally sourced.”
    “Ooh, that is so hot,” Tina said before she broke into laughter. Jan joined in, surprised by this teasing side of Tina. Jan had only been in the same room with her two times, but already she could see something so unrestrained about Tina, whether she was flirting or irritated or joking. Every expression played across her face, as if uncensored. Jan could never